Kilted at the Kentucky Derby

[punk_lawyer]

Doing some reading on the Derby's page and it looks like dress code is to where you sit.

In the stands it is the fancier code. Down in the infield it seems to be slightly different. Seems to be a Mardi Gras like party on one end from their discription and a G-rated family picnic style on the other.

Jim

Having been schooled in Kentucky, which requires a deep knowledge of bourbon and horse racing, I can say that you are very much onto something with this comment.

I am FAR from being afraid of a party but the Infield at Churchill Downs on Derby Day is wild in ways that can make Mardi Gras look like a kindergarten birthday party. On the other hand, the box seats are very classy. Drill down a bit on exactly where you will be seated and react accordingly. You can almost track the status of your dress with the face value of your admission ticket. When in doubt, go up in class rather than down.

The Breeder's Cup is not on par with the Derby as far as attire. Derby is more dressed up across the board.

Derby Day is a bit of a zoo around the track. LOTS of people and LOTS of drunk people. Making advance wagers on the Derby Day races is advisable. If you are going to the Oaks then you can place your Derby Day bets on Friday and I recommend doing so. By the way, the Oaks is a very very nice event without the same degree of crazy as the Derby.

I may be at the Oaks this year but I have a Derby party that usually keeps me happy for the great day of racing on the first Saturday in May.

[ForresterModern]

Thanks.

Though I just noticed that when I asked about brown or black that I forgot to add I was asking about the accessories

Brown or black sporrans, belts and shoes? Brass or silver? I got to admit this throws me. Get mixed messages through the posts. One of the difficult things about too much info.

Jim

Personally I am a matchy-matchy type in general, so I try to match leathers and metals as much as possible-------black with black, brown with brown (although shades may differ) usually only for daywear, gold-tone with gold-tone (not much in my closet), silver-tone with silvertone, etc.... I will probably be wearing non-ghillie brogues each day, possibly brown leathers the first day (Oaks) and definitely black the second (Derby) more dressy day. But for Jock Scot's sake I will not be wearing a flatcap, probably either a balmoral or tam in appropriate shade.